w3 Jury Selection: Galvin Davis

Jury Selection

Galvin Davis, Founder, Protein One

Galvin Davis is the Founder and Director of ‘Protein One’, one of Australia’s leading independent digital agencies. For more than 20 years, Protein has designed creative campaigns, branding, and digital experiences for clients such as The Woolmark Company, ASICS, The Social Policy Group and many others. As a Creative Director, Galvin has led numerous projects, including the brand creation of Victor Churchill, one of Australia’s most recognized culinary brands.

Protein One created the viral Tic Tac Tricks campaign with YouTube star Zach King which aggregated more than 70 million views. As a Writer/Director, Galvin wrote the children’s book Dandelion which was published by Penguin Random House and became the #1 Book App in Australia. His follow up animated movie Daisy Chain, narrated by Academy Award Winning actress Kate Winslet, has screened at over 30 international film festivals.

My Selections

Personal Selects

Filmmaking – I’ve been obsessed with film since I was 8 years old. For me, it’s the ultimate emotional medium of choice for storytelling.
Martial Arts – I was a huge fan of Bruce Lee growing up, and had the opportunity to work with his daughter, Shannon through our agency. I have studied Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido and Taekwondo as a way to switch off from work.
Mental Health – Balancing mental health through physical challenges and emotional resilience. Where possible we aim to use our digital work to address this topic too.

Podcasts

Films to be Buried With – A great podcast from Comedian, Brett Goldstein. An eclectic range of guests, asked to discuss which movies formed their lives, and which they would choose to be buried with when they die!
The Daily – The New York Times podcast. Never a dull topic, beautifully produced and a great way to stay on top of things. Big subjects told in small episodes.
Huberman Lab – Andrew Huberman’s podcast. Perfect to dip in and out of it in order to deregulate and focus on health in mind and body.

Mobile Apps

Runkeeper – Essential for anyone who runs and likes to challenge themselves. My personal preference over Strava.
Audible – I love reading yet often struggle to find the time. Audible keeps me humble while I’m traveling or driving.
MyAus App – Bit of self-promotion. This App, which we built is a great way to learn how to maintain life in Australia.

VR/AR Experiences

TeamLab – Japan is my favourite destination and TeamLab is the most impressive augmented digital experience I’ve had the pleasure to interact with.
Galaxy Harajuku – I’m more an Apple fan, however Samsung in Tokyo created an incredible eight-story VR/AR experience that has to be seen to be believed. It made me a believer.
Regroup Recycling Hub – A project we were involved in with our friends at Rotor. This recycling VR experience has been a huge success, allowing schools to go inside a recycling factory and learn more about responsible recycling.

Games

The Last of Us 2 – In my opinion, this is the greatest console game of all time. I sit firmly in the ‘it’s genius’ camp and love all the moments that were divisive to fans. For me, it’s the perfect piece of storytelling and gamer interaction choices. Brutal but essential.
Stray – Just for pure daydreaming. I played this game when I was in isolation with Covid and it made 3 full days just disappear. I’ll forever be indebted.
Wonderboy – I practically grew up in an old school arcade in London and managed to purchase a stand up arcade machine for my office. Of all the classic arcade games, Wonderboy is the experience that still makes me giddy with joy.

Websites

Omega – A client of mine turned me into a watch enthusiast, which has become fun but expensive passion. The Omega site is always a beautiful place to submerge into the craftsmanship of watchmaking.
Awwwards – A staple for any designer or creative. It’s a great place to browse and find inspiration.
Letterboxd – Probably the most active site I’ve had in years. It feels like a genuine companion on web/mobile, allowing you to log, rate and compare movies with friends.

Video Series

Lucy and DiC – Australian comedy series with Ozzy Man voicing a sarcastic robot. Clever writing, moves at a pace and never dull.
Daisy Fresh – A warts-n-all look at a struggling BJJ team in the US who rise up to become one of the most revered Jiu Jitsu teams in the world.
Anatomy of a Fighter – Beautifully shot behind-the-scenes series documenting the life and times of professional fighters.

Books

I am Legend, Richard Matheson – I only read this classic book in my 40’s, and marvelled at how ahead of his time Matheson was. The book that launched a thousand copycats. It’s slim, enthralling and beautifully crafted.
The Way Of The Fight, Georges St. Pierre – GSP is arguably the greatest martial arts fighter of all time, his book outlines how he overcame bullying and doubles as an inspirational tale of how to survive and thrive through mental and physical focus.
On Writing: Memoir of a Craft, Stephen King – I’m a big fan of King, however this non-fictional book is the one I read over and again. A fundamental look at how the most prolific writer in history approaches his craft.

Events & Conferences

Halloween, Petit Ermitage – For almost ten years I traveled to Los Angeles around Halloween time for business, and found myself at the ‘Petit Ermitage Boutique Hotel’. Their Halloween night Events are legendary. Akin to going down the rabbit-hole in Alice in Wonderland.
Revive & Thrive, Aro-Ha Retreat – The Aro-Ha Retreat in Queenstown, NZ. The wellness conference and events offer the most incredible views, ice-bath therapy & mountain running experiences. Life changing.
Comic-Con – I was lucky enough to present my film at Comic-Con in San Diego and took one of my sons with me. It’s the craziest, most loving and entertaining conference if you love movies and pop culture.

Creators & Artists

Charles Herbert – Local Sydney abstract artist who creates ethereal canvases that I’m obsessed with. I have a couple of pieces from this artist.
Isamu Sawa – This is an amazing Australian photographer who we found through working on a client project recently. His work is stunningly lit and creates a sense of photographic origami.
David Fincher – It may be a cliché but he’s the greatest celluloid creator of my generation.